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Exploring the rivers that protect Northern California’s world-renowned wine region, volunteers helped collect data to help protect some the most valuable agricultural land in all of North America. The Napa, Russian, and Navarro rivers and Sonoma Creek define the landscape where grape farmers use these waterways to produce the high-end wines the region is famous for, and iconic fish species like steelhead trout and Coho salmon utilize the area for breeding. How can nature and people coexist in this beautiful, productive, and threatened landscape? We helped collect data necessary for answering these questions.

This region serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds, butterflies, and a wide variety of native plant and animal species. Scientists are still learning how these species coexist with the resource needs of the growing human population. Vineyard owners, nonprofit organizations, and local governments are working alongside scientists to ensure that California’s rivers continue to simultaneously support its local agriculture and its natural habitat.

Those engaged in this research experienced what it was like to work in a “living laboratory” where research findings provided guidance for sustainable management of California’s ecosystems and water resources.

Lead scientists

Accommodations and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

This research represented a unique opportunity to conserve critical habitat for local and migratory wildlife.

How can wine growers and wildlife live in harmony? Research helped provide an answer.

At vineyards and natural areas along the Napa, Russian, and Navarro rivers, Earthwatch volunteers collected data on plant, bird, and insect diversity, and took physical measurements of soil and vegetation to measure the ecosystem services that are valuable to farmers. They worked with the Nature Conservancy and other partners to find a balance between production and ecosystem integrity in riverside habitats. Streamside areas serve as natural filters between the river and the land and protect the river from pollution, provide habitat for birds, and stabilize freshwater food webs. This research represented a unique opportunity to conserve critical habitat for local and migratory wildlife and sustain agricultural production and livelihoods.

This project contributed to establishing estimates of the true value of this ecosystem by evaluating carbon storage in native and cultivated vegetation and soils. It investigated and established data for native butterfly pollinators, estimated bird diversity, and identified a range of potential restoration strategies. The project helped scientists and the public gain a better understanding of the relative impacts of different land uses on native plant and insect diversity, define the benefits that agriculture derives from natural habitat, and use this information to develop new incentives for conserving and restoring streamside habitat.

About the research area

Sonoma County, California, United States, North America & Arctic

Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties form the heart of Northern California's wine region and contain some of the state’s best examples of riverside and Coast Range forests. In addition to the striking countryside, the mild climate and mix of soils make for perfect wine grapes, and the cultivable land in this region is some of the most coveted and expensive in the world. The region is home to many coastal and inland state parks, extensive hiking and biking trails, and numerous tourist attractions. It also has an important and unique habitat supporting some of California’s most charismatic biodiversity. This area serves as a home to the coastal redwoods, some of the world’s tallest trees, a key breeding ground for several threatened fish species, and a natural flyway for millions of migratory birds.

Sonoma County, California

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

This is a summary:

Day 1: Arrival, introductions

Days 2-6: Fieldwork: count pollinators, plants, and birds; take soil and water samples, etc.

At least a half-day of recreation time.

Day 7: Departure

Earthwatch participants worked along several rivers in California’s North Coast region to determine how these ecosystems respond to both agricultural advances and efforts to protect and sustain this environment. Alongside scientists, they set up transects, identify vegetation, measured trees, conducted stream habitat surveys, conducted bird surveys, captured and identified butterflies, and collected data needed to preserve nature in this environment.

In their time off, participants hiked, kayaked, or canoed the local rivers and watched birds in the heart of the Pacific Flyway. They were close enough to explore the coastal forests, visit the towering redwood grove, and visit some of the famous vineyards and wine-tasting rooms.

ABOUT Josh Viers

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Couples accommodations possible

Wide variety of cuisines available

Enjoy the best of both worlds on this expedition: long, exciting days in the field getting your hands dirty, then hot showers and cozy beds when you come home each evening. You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel in double-occupancy rooms (single rooms may be available on request), near some of the excellent restaurants, vineyards, and beautiful scenery the Sonoma region has to offer. The team will breakfast on typical American fare in either the hotel or local restaurants, and you’ll enjoy dinners at a wide variety of restaurants in the evenings. You’ll pack bagged lunches to take into the field.